Olgiate Olona
Welcome to Olgiate Olona!
Hello everyone, today I bring you to discover Olgiate Olona, a small but charming municipality in the province of Varese, in Lombardy. With just over 12,000 inhabitants, it is located in the valley of the Olona river, just three kilometers from the center of Busto Arsizio.
The history of Olgiate Olona
The name of this place comes from the medieval Latin "Olzate Olonae" or in the bustocco dialect "Olgiàa". It is believed that the original meaning of the name has to do with a portion of arable land surrounded by ditches and hedges. Over the centuries, this center developed thanks to the presence of churches that helped make Olgiate Olona a religious and administrative reference point for the entire district.
In the church of Olgiate Olona, the highest religious authority was the "prevosto", accompanied by 12 canons. Its ecclesiastical jurisdiction was maintained until 1583, while its civil jurisdiction lasted until 1784. In the Middle Ages, this place was also the site of a castle, still present in the historic center.
The city is also distinguished by the presence of some parchment codes documenting local history. Among the most important works preserved in the museums of the area is a 9th century Gospel Book and a lapidary dated 1127, currently kept at the Civic Museum of Milan.
What to visit in Olgiate Olona
One of the main attractions is the parish church, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Here you can admire the presence of two churches, one dedicated to Saint Stephen and the other to Saint Lawrence. The square in front of the church is one of the most picturesque places in the center, ideal for enjoying some relaxation.
Not far from the historic center is the Buon Gesù, a possible military station from the past. Among the main roads stands out the State Road 33 del Sempione, which connects Olgiate Olona to Lake Maggiore.
Conclusions
In short, visiting Olgiate Olona means immersing yourself in the history and culture of a place with unique charm. The traces of the past, the beauty of the surrounding nature, and the friendliness of the inhabitants make it an ideal destination for a day trip. What are you waiting for? Come discover Olgiate Olona!
